At Arm's Length

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Literary critics and authors have debated the significance of an author's relationship with readers, particularly the rhetorical dynamics at play. How do authors manipulate characters to evoke empathy, awe, or delight? In this study, Mike Cadden employs a rhetorical approach that enhances structural, affective, and cognitive analyses. He explores how authorial choices create emotional invitations, modulating characters along a spectrum from larger-than-life figures to relatable, empathetic ones, down to the pitiable and ridiculous. Cadden investigates how authors balance keeping young readers at arm's length while drawing them into emotional experiences, which is crucial for understanding character rhetoric in literature, film, and television aimed at youth. Written in accessible language, this work appeals to both undergraduates and seasoned critics, offering a comprehensive analysis of narratives for children and young adults across various media. Cadden addresses significant themes in children's literature studies, such as safety in children's media and the representation of characters in multicultural and diverse contexts. He also examines unique forms like picture books, verse novels, and graphic novels, alongside genres such as comedy, romance, and tragedy.